AU693102B2 - Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method - Google Patents

Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU693102B2
AU693102B2 AU72889/94A AU7288994A AU693102B2 AU 693102 B2 AU693102 B2 AU 693102B2 AU 72889/94 A AU72889/94 A AU 72889/94A AU 7288994 A AU7288994 A AU 7288994A AU 693102 B2 AU693102 B2 AU 693102B2
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
wheel
angle
angles
sensor
oriented
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU72889/94A
Other versions
AU7288994A (en
Inventor
James L. Dale Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Snap On Inc
Original Assignee
Snap On Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Snap On Technologies Inc filed Critical Snap On Technologies Inc
Publication of AU7288994A publication Critical patent/AU7288994A/en
Assigned to SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Alteration of Name(s) of Applicant(s) under S113 Assignors: FMC CORPORATION
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU693102B2 publication Critical patent/AU693102B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D17/00Means on vehicles for adjusting camber, castor, or toe-in
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01BMEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/26Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes
    • G01B11/275Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
    • G01B11/2755Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment using photoelectric detection means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01BMEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B7/00Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
    • G01B7/30Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes
    • G01B7/315Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapers; for testing the alignment of axes for testing wheel alignment
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01BMEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B2210/00Aspects not specifically covered by any group under G01B, e.g. of wheel alignment, caliper-like sensors
    • G01B2210/10Wheel alignment
    • G01B2210/12Method or fixture for calibrating the wheel aligner
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01BMEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B2210/00Aspects not specifically covered by any group under G01B, e.g. of wheel alignment, caliper-like sensors
    • G01B2210/10Wheel alignment
    • G01B2210/28Beam projector and related sensors, camera, inclinometer or other active sensing or projecting device
    • G01B2210/283Beam projectors and related sensors

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

Description

1- P/00/0X Il Regulation 3,2
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT
ORIGINAL
so 0 55 0 ci, u.s.
5* 4*so Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: FMCl CORPORA-TION- S5rqp)-On T-Fchno~oqicz s, James L. Dale, Jr.
CARTER SMITH BEADLE 2 Railway Parade Camberwell Victoria 3124 Australia Invention Title: SELF- CALIBRATING WHEEL APPARATUS AND METHOD ALI GNMENT The following statement is a fll description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel aligner which comprises sensors that are mountable to the wheels of a vehicle and generate signals representative of the orientations of the wheels. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically calibrating the sensors during the normal operation of the wheel aligner.
Vehicle wheel aligners are well known in the art. Such aligners typically comprise four alignment heads which are mountable on the vehicle wheels and include sensors for generating signals representative of the i' angular orientations of the wheels. Typically, separate sensors are provided for measuring the angles of each wheel in the toe, camber, and caster planes. Angles in the toe plane are commonly measured using either electromechanical string-type angle measuring instruments, such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,341,021 issued to Beissbarth, or opto- 2, electrical angle measuring instruments, SLch as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,761,749 issued to Titsworth et al. Angles in the camber and caster planes may be measured using inclinometers, which are known to those in j the art.
One problem with vehicle wheel aligners is that, during the course of their usage, the sensors may become out of calibration. Unless the sensors V are calibrated regularly, the out-of-calibration condition can exist for some time, thereby causing improper wheel alignment settings. However, alignment technicians are often not comfortable performing the calibration process, and the process itself takes away from the productive use of the wheel aligner.
-2- According to the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for detecting when the primary sensors of a vehicle wheel aligner are out of calibration and for automatically calibrating the primary sensors during normal operation, without requiring a separate calibration procedure.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having at least one primary sensor mountable to a wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angular orientation of the wheel with respect to a reference, the apparatus including: first sensor means mountable to the wheel for generating a first signal when the wheel is oriented at a first known angle with respect to the reference; second sensor means mountable to the wheel for generating a second signal when the wheel is oriented at a second known angle with respect to the reference; and means responsive to the first and second signals for comparing a first difference between the first and second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles, and for determining whether the second difference is greater or less than the first difference by a certain predetermined #o amount.
S' 20 According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of calibrating a vehicle wheel aligner having at least one primary sensor for generating a a outputs indicative of the angular orientations of a wheel of a vehicle with respect to a reference, including the steps of: recording a first output from the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented 25 at a first known angle with respect to the reference; recording a second output from the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at a second known angle with respect to the reference; calculating a relationship between the first and second outputs and the first and second known angles; and applying the relationship to subsequent outputs from the sensor; JRG:NB:#15S57,I 11 M2Y 19 2a whereby the subsequent outputs are corrected in accordance with the relationship.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having at least one angle measuring instrument mountable to a first wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angle of the first wheel with respect to a reference line extending between the first wheel and a second, adjacent wheel, the apparatus including: a sensor comprising a first reflective means mountable in a vertical plane at a first known angle relative to the rotational centerline the first wheel, a second reflective means mountable in a vertical plane at a second known angle relative to the rotational centerline of the first wheel, a light emitting means mountable on the second wheel in alignment with the reference line, and a light detecting means mountable on the second wheel in vertical alignment with the light emitting means; wherein light from the light emitting means will be reflected off of the first and second reflective means and back to the light detecting means when the first ~o wheel is oriented respectively at the first and second known angles with respect to :eothe reference line; and controller means in electrical communication with the angle measuring o instrument and the sensor for comparing a first difference between the first and S" 20 second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the angle measuring instrument when the first wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles, and for determining whether the second difference is greater or less than the first difference by a certain predetermined amount.4 According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided vehicle 25 wheel alignment apparatus having at least one angle measuring instrument mountable to a wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angle of the wheel in a vertical reference plane oriented with respect to the rotational centerline of the wheel, the apparatus including: a first sensor means for measuring the angle of the wheel in the vertical reference plane; FR4 \I ay19 JRGNB #15357sslI 11 199s -2b the first sensor means being mountable relative to the rotational centerline at a first known angle to vertical and being operable to generate a first signal when the wheel is oriented at the first known angle; a second sensor means for measuring the angle of the wheel in the vertical reference plane; the second sensor means being mountable relative to the rotational centerline at a second known angle to vertical and being operable to generate a second signal when the wheel is oriented at the second known angle; and controller means in electrical communication wvith the angle measuring instrument and the first and second sensors for comparing a first difference between the first and second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the angle measuring instrument when the wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles, as determined by the first and second sensors, and for determnining whether the second difference is greater or less than the first difference by a certain predetermined amount.
In one embodiment of the invention, secondary sensors are provided in the :400alignment heads for generating signals when the wheels are in a first known angular 99orientation. To monitor the zero-set calibration of the primary sensors, the programmable control means of the wheel aligner records the outputs from the primary sensors at the known angle and compares them to the known angle. If the outputs are not within certain tolerances of the angle, then the primary sensor is out of calibration and the wheel aligner will prompt the technician to calibrate the primary sensors using conventional calibration techniques. To automatically correct the primary sensors for zero-set calibration, the control means applies the difference p 25 between the outputs from the primary sensors and the known angle to future outputs from the primary sensors. In a further embodiment, the secondary sensors also generate signals when the wheels are in a second known angular orientation. To monitor the span calibration of the primary sensors, the control means compares the difference between the outputs from the primary sensors at the two known angles with the difference between the two known angles. If the difference between{ B A JRG NB ,#15S57.rsl I I M y 199 3 %"lLU~ ulrY1.-L--iac-l~;etM~"U~~~~ 2coutputs is greater or less than the difference between the known angles, then the wheel aligner will prompt the technician to calibrate the primary sensors. To automatically correct the primary sensors for span calibration, the control means computes a calibration relationship between the two known angles and the outputs from the primary sensors at these two known angles. The control means then applies this relationship to future outputs from the primary sensors.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective representation of the alignment heads of a vehicle wheel aligner comprising the calibration apparatus of the present invention; I U i i #II 1 I
I
5 1 t ~a;~ria~~ i -3- Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the alignment heads depicted in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a graph depicting a possible calibration relationship between the angles determined by the primary sensors of a vehicle wheel aligner and the angles determined by the secondary sensors of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus of the present invention is shown incorporated into the alignment heads of a vehicle wheel aligner. Typical wheel aligners with which the apparatus and method of the present invention are useful are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,761,749, issued to Titsworth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,208,646, issued to Rogers et al.; and U.S. Patent No.
5,220,399, issued to Christian et al., all of which are assigned to the assignee herein. The wheel aligner depicted in Figure 1 comprises four alignment heads 10, 12, 14 and 16 which are connected to the respective #40* -o front wheels LF and RF and rear wheels LR and RR of a vehicle (not shown). As described more fully in the aforementioned Titsworth et al.
S patent, each alignment head comprises a hub H through which the head is S rotationally supported from the shaft of a mounting fixture (not shown).
0 Furthermore, the centerline C of each hub H is aligned with the axis of rotation of the corresponding wheel using well known run-out compensation techniques so that the plane of the wheel will appear to be perpendicular to centerline C.
The alignment heads comprise sensors for generating signals representative of the orientation of the wheels in three alignment planes: the caster plane, which is the vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the camber plane, which is the vertical plane perpendicular to the caster plane, and the toe plane, which is the horizontal plane perpendicular to both the caster and camber planes. These sensors, referred to herein as the primary sensors, can be any of a number of different types of angle measuring instruments. For example, in the embodiment of the vehicle wheel aligner depicted in Figure 1, the primary toe angle sensors are opto-electrical angle measuring instruments of the type described in the aforementioned Titsworth et al. patent. According to this embodiment, a cross toe sensor comprises an optical emitter 18 located -4 in head 10 and a corresponding detector 20 located in head 12. An additional cross toe sensor comprises an optical emitter 22 located in head 12 and a detector 24 located in head 10. The light beam emanating from emitter 18 and detected by detector 20 provides an indication of the angle of the plane of wheel LF with respect to a reference line extending between heads 10 and 12 parallel to the axes of rotation of wheels LF and RF.
Similarly, the light beam emanating from emitter 22 and detected by detector 24 provides an indication of the angle of the plane of wheel RF with respect to the reference line. A track toe sensor comprises an optical emitter 26 located in head 10 and a detector 28 located in head 14. An additional track toe sensor comprises an optical emitter 30 located in head 14 and a detector 32 located in head 10. Tne light beam emanating from emitter 26 and detected by detector 28 provides an indication of the angle of the plane of wheel LF with respect to a reference line extending between heads 10 and 14 perpendicular to the axes of rotation of wheels LF and LR. Similarly, the light beam emanating from emitter 30 and detected by detector 32 provides an indication of the angle of the plane of wheel LR with respect to the reference line. Similar track toe sensors in heads 12 and 16 provide information relating to the angles of the planes of wheels RIF and RR. The apparatus and method of the present invention may also be used with other types of toe angle measuring instruments, such as the electromechanical sensor disclosed in the aforementioned Beissbarth patent, or a COD camera sensor of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,056,233, issued to Hechel et al.
Referring to Figure 2, each alignment head may comprise an inclinometer 34 for measuring the angles in the caster plane of the corresponding wheel on which the head is mounted. Similarly, an inclinometer 36 may be used for measuring the angles in the camber plane of the wheel. However, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be used with other types of sensors for measuring the angles in the caster and camber planes.
The signals generated by the sensors are communicated to a console 38, which includes programmable control means for controlling the operation of the aligner, processing the signals and generating data relating to the angular orie-{11tation of each wheel in each alignment plane. The control means is preferably a central processing unit comprising a microprocessor.
Console 38 may also include display means for displaying the data.
According to the present invention, the calibration of each of the primary sensors is monitored and corrected by secondary sensors mounted in each of the alignment heads. The secondary sensors are referenced to the centerline Cof hub Hof the corresponding alignment head and function to generate signals when the planes of the wheels, and consequently the alignment heads, are in known angular orientations. The outputs from the primary sensors at these known angles are used to monitor and automatically correct the zerv set and span calibration of the primary sensors.
For simplicity sake, an example of a secondary toe angle sensor will be described with reference to the primary track toe sensor comprising 115 emitter 30 in head 14, it being understood that all of the secondary toe angle sensors are generally the same. To monitor the zero set calibration of the primary track toe sensor, the secondary track toe sensor comprises a narrow mirror 40, which is mounted on hub H of head 14 parallql to centerline C and in vertical alignment with emitter 30, and a wide angle point source of light 42 located in head 10 in vertical alignment with detector 32. Light 42 emits a beam of light 44 toward head 14. Since mirror 40 is mounted parallel to centerline C, beam 44 will be reflected off of mirror 40 and back to detector 32 only when the angle between the plane of rotation of wheel LR and the reference line extending between heads 10 and 14 is zero degrees. Thus, if the primary track toe sensor is in zero-stclbain h uptfo h primary track toe sensor should be zero degrees when detector 32 detects beam 44. If the output from the primary track toe sensor is different from zero by a certain predetermined tolerance, then the control means will prompt the service technician to calibrate the primary track toe sensor.
30 According to a further embodiment of the invention, to automatically correct the primary track toe sensor for zero-set calibration, the control means will record as a calibration factor the output from the primary track toej sensor when detector 32 detects beam 44 and apply the calibration factor to future angles determined by the primary track toe sensor.
-6- In a further embodiment of the invention, to monitor the span calibration of the primary track toe sensor comprising emitter 30, the secondary track toe sensor comprises a second mirror 46 mounted on hub H-I at a known angle to mirror 40 and, consequently, to centerline C (see, e.g., Figure This known angle could be, for example, one degree. Thus, beam 44 will be reflected off of mirror 46 and detected by detector 32 when the angle between the plane of rotation of wheel LR and the reference line extending between heads 10 and 14 is the known angle. The control means will record the outputs from the primary sensor when the plane of wheel LR is at zero degrees and the known angle and compare the difference between these outputs to the known angle the difference between the known angle and zero degrees). If the difference is greater or less than the known angle by a certain predetermined tolerance, then the control means will prompt the technician to calibrate the primary track toe sensor.
In another embodiment of the invention, to automatically correct the primary sensors for span calibration, the control means computes a calibration relationship between the two known angles and the outputs from the primary track toe sensor at the two known angles and applies the calibration relationship to future outputs from the primary track toe sensor.
An example of such a relationship is shown graphically in Figure 3.
In order for detector 28 to recognize which beam it is receiving, the aligner control means time multiplexes emitter 30 and light 42 so that they are not active at the same time. In addition, statistical methods may be used to average the calibration factors to reduce the effects of minor errors in individual calibrations. The secondary sensor also comprises means for shuttering between mirrors 40 and 46. The shuttering means is controlled by the control means and is time multiplexed with light 42 so that the control means can determine which fixed angle the secondary sensor is measuring.
The shuttering means can be either a mechanical shutter, which operates to expose only one mirror at a time, or an electronic liquid crystal display positioned over each mirror to black out each mirror at the appropriate times.
The secondary sensors for the primary cross toe sensors, for example the primary cross toe sensor comprising emitter 22 in head 12, comprise a ninety degree reflecting prism 48, which in this example is mounted in head 12. Light beam 44 emanating from light 42 in the 4i,, s
L
r11 St t 44,5 -7secondary cross toe sensor is bent ninety degrees so that it can be reflected off of mirrors 40 and 46 mounted on hub H of head 12. Thus, detector 24 in head 10 will detect beam 44 being reflected off of mirror 40 when the plane of wheel RF is ninety degrees with respect to the reference line connecting heads 10 and 12. Similarly, detector 24 will detect beam 44 being reflected off of mirror 46 when the plane of wheel RF is at a known angle from ninety degrees with respect to the reference line connecting heads 10 and 12. In the manner described above with reference to the track toe sensors, the control means uses the outputs from the primary cross toe sensors at these two angles to monitor and automatically correct the primary cross toe sensors for zero-set and span calibration.
The secondary sensors for calibrating the caster and camber inclinometers are preferably precision level measuring means, such as fluid vial-type devices which are accurate over small angular spans. However, inclinometers similar to the primary sensors could also be used as the secondary sensors. Referring to Figure 2, to monitor the zero-set calibration of the primary caster inclinometer 34, the secondary caster sensor comprises a first measuring means 50 mounted vertically on hub H in the caster plane. When the orientation of the wheel is at zero degrees in the caster plane, measuring means 50 will signal the control means. If the output from inclinometer 34 is different from zero by a predetermined tolerance, the control means will prompt the technician to calibrate inclinometer 34.
In a further embodiment, to automatically correct inclinometer 34 for zero-set calibration, the control means will record as a calibration factor the output from inclinometer 34 when measuring means 50 generates a signal and apply this calibration factor to future angles determined by inclinometer 34. The control means may be programmed to reduce the effects of improper calibration factors being accepted and statistical methods may be used to average the calibration factors to reduce the effects of minor errors in individual calibrations.
In another embodiment of the invention, to monitor the span calibration of the primary caster inclinometer 34, the secondary caster sensor also comprises a second measuring means 50 mounted on hub H in the caster plane at a known angle from vertical, such as one degree. When -8the orientation of the wheel is at the known angle, measuring means 52 will signal the control means. In a manner similar to that described with reference to the secondary toe sensors, the control means will record the outputs from primary inclinometer 34 when both measuring means 50 and 52 signal the control means and compare the difference between the outputs with the difference between the known angles. If the difference between the outputs from inclinometer 34 is greater or less than the difference between the known angles by a predetermined tolerance, then the control means will prompt the technician to calibrate inclinometer 34.
In a further embodiment, to automatically correct primary inclinometer 34 for span calibration, the control means computes a calibration relationship between the two known angles and the outputs from inclinometer 34 at the two known angles and applies the calibration relationship to future outputs from inclinometer 34.
The secondary sensors to monitor and correct the zero-set and span calibration of the camber inclinometers 36 are similar to the secondary sensors used for correcting the caster inclinometers 34. To monitor and correct the zero-set calibration of camber inclinometer 36, the secondary camber sensor comprises a first measuring means 54 mounted vertically on hub H in the camber plane. To monitor and correct the span calibration of the primary camber inclinometer 36, the secondary camber sensor also comprises a second measuring means 56, which is mounted on hub H in the camber plane at a known angle from vertical. Measuring means 54 and 56 operate in the same manner as measuring means 50 and 52, and therefore a separate discussion thereof is not necessary.
It should be recognized that, while the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art mnay develop a wide variatic, of structural details without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. Vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having at least one primary sensor mountable to a wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angular orientation of the wheel with respect to a reference, the apparatus including: first sensor means mountable to the wheel for generating a first signal when the wheel is oriented at a first known angle with respect to the reference; second sensor means mountable to the wheel for generating a second signal when the wheel is oriented at a second known angle with respect to the reference; and means responsive to the first and second signals for comparing a first difference between the first and second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles, and for determining whether the second difference is greater or less than the first difference by a certain predetermined amount.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: means for determining a relationship between the first and second known angles and the angles measured by the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles and applying the relationship to subsequent 20 outputs from the primary sensor; whereby the relationship is used to correct the primary sensor for span calibration.
3. A method of calibrating a vehicle wheel aligner having at least on primary sensor for generating outputs indicative of the angular orientations of a wheel of a vehicle with respect to a reference, including the steps of: recording a first output from the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at a first known angle with respect to the reference; recording a second output from the primary sensor when the wheel is oriented at a second known angle with respect to the reference; I'D calculating a relationship between the first and second outputs and the first II I I 111 4 4r .4 It I IIMay 199S and second known angles; and applying the relationship to subsequent outputs from the sensor; whereby the subsequent outputs are corrected in accordance with the relationship.
4. Vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having at least one angle measuring instrument mountable to a first wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angle of the first wheel with respect to a reference line extending between the first wheel and a second, adjacent wheel, the apparatus including: a sensor comprising a first reflective means mountable in a vertical plane at a first known angle relative to the rotational centerline the first wheel, a second reflective means mountable in a vertical plane at a second known angle relative to the rotational centerline of the first wheel, a light emitting means mountable on the second wheel in alignment with the reference line, and a light detecting means mountable on the second wheel in vertical alignment with the light emitting means; wherein light from the light emitting means will be reflected off of the first t and second reflective means and back to the light detecting means when the first wheel is oriented respectively at the first and second known angles with respect to the reference line; and controller means in electrical communication with the angle measuring 20 instrument and the sensor for comparing a first difference between the first and second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the *,4 angle measuring instrument when the first wheel is oriented at the first and second 94,known angles, and for determining whether the second difference is greater or less 4 than the first difference by a certain predetermined amount.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, further including: means for determining a relationship between the first and second known angles and the angles measured by the angle measuring instrument when the first wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles and for applying the relationship to subsequent outputs from the angle measuring instrument; whereby the relationship is used to correct the angle measuring instrument for !JRG:NB.#415S72 12 M 1998 K ~I -11- *trt *r It Ir tIt span calibration.
6. Vehicle wheel alignment apparatus having at least one angle measuring instrument mountable to a wheel of a vehicle for measuring the angle of the wheel in a vertical reference plane oriented with respect to the rotational centerline of the wheel, the apparatus including: a first sensor means for measuring the angle of the wheel in the vertical reference plane; the first sensor means being mountable relative to the rotational centerline at a first known angle to vertical and being operable to generate a first signal when the wheel is oriented at the first known angle; a second sensor means for measuring the angle of the wheel in the vertical reference plane; the second sensor means being mountable relative to the rotational centerline at a second known angle to vertical and being operable to generate a second signal 15 when the wheel is oriented at the second known angle; and controller means in electrical communication with the angle measuring instrument and the first and second sensors for comparing a first difference between the first and second known angles with a second difference between the angles measured by the angle measuring instrument when the wheel is oriented at the first 20 and second known angles, as determined by the first and second sensors, and for determining whether the second difference is greater or less than the first difference by a certain predetermined amount.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further including: means for determining a relationship between the first and second known angles and the angles measured by the angle measuring instrument when the wheel is oriented at the first and second known angles and for applying the relationship to subsequent outputs from the angle measuring instrument; whereby the relationship is used to correct the angle measuring instrument for span calibration.
8. An apparatus for calibrating a vehicle wheel aligner substantially as JRG NB:#15857.rsl 12 May 1998 A
12- hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures. 9. A method of calibrating a vehicle wheel aligner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures. DATED: 11 May 1998 CARTER SMITH BEADLE Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: SNAP-ON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. t I I 4 1 t o1 4 t 1 V 4 1 I 4 01 I a S it Iii -RG:NB:#15857.rsi I 1 May 1998 ABSTRACT An apparatus and method for monitoring and automatically calibrating the primary sensors (eg 30,32) of a vehicle wheel aligner comprises secondary sensors (eg 40,42,32) for signaling the control means (38) of the wheel aligner when the wheels (LF,RF,LR,RR) are in known angular orientations. The outputs from the primary angle determining sensors (30,32) of the wheel aligner are recorded when the secondary sensors signal the control means and the control means (38) calculates a calibration relationship between the outputs and the known angles to apply to future outputs of the primary sensors (32,32). TJH:JL:#15857 9 Scptembcr 1994 A
AU72889/94A 1993-09-17 1994-09-09 Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method Ceased AU693102B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/122,854 US5531030A (en) 1993-09-17 1993-09-17 Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method
US122854 1993-09-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU7288994A AU7288994A (en) 1995-03-30
AU693102B2 true AU693102B2 (en) 1998-06-25

Family

ID=22405196

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU72889/94A Ceased AU693102B2 (en) 1993-09-17 1994-09-09 Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US5531030A (en)
JP (1) JP3138156B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100333421B1 (en)
AU (1) AU693102B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2129721A1 (en)
DE (1) DE4433126B4 (en)
FR (1) FR2711424B1 (en)
IT (1) IT1274774B (en)

Families Citing this family (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5767767A (en) * 1995-10-27 1998-06-16 Aydius, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining the position and alignment of wheels
US6473978B1 (en) 1998-06-16 2002-11-05 Schenck Pegasus Corporation Wheel alignment assembly and method
DE19829189C1 (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-01-13 Bosch Gmbh Robert Device for measuring wheel axles of motor vehicles
US6098296A (en) * 1998-12-03 2000-08-08 Delco Electronics Corp. Wheel alignment system and method for vehicles having steer-by-wire steering system
US6330926B1 (en) * 1999-09-15 2001-12-18 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Stretcher having a motorized wheel
US6968282B1 (en) * 2000-05-22 2005-11-22 Snap-On Incorporated Self-calibrating, multi-camera machine vision measuring system
CN100346133C (en) * 2000-03-23 2007-10-31 捷装技术公司 Self-calibrating, multi-camera machine vision measuring system
AU2001245834A1 (en) 2000-03-23 2001-10-03 Snap-On Technologies, Inc. Self-calibrating, multi-camera machine vision measuring system
US7014000B2 (en) 2000-05-11 2006-03-21 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Braking apparatus for a patient support
US6574877B2 (en) 2000-08-09 2003-06-10 Snap-On Technologies, Inc. Two piece alignment head
EP1309832B1 (en) * 2000-08-14 2008-10-22 Snap-on Incorporated Self-calibrating 3D machine measuring system useful in motor vehicle wheel alignment
DE10042047C1 (en) * 2000-08-26 2002-01-31 Bayer Isolierglas & Maschtech Straight connection, for fitting into hollow profiles forming a spacer frame or piece for panes of insulating glass, has hollow inner cavity in hollow profile, transverse arm, recess and opening
DE10043354A1 (en) * 2000-09-02 2002-03-14 Beissbarth Gmbh Chassis measuring device
DE10049684B4 (en) * 2000-10-07 2008-08-21 Eads Deutschland Gmbh Fully automatic meter calibration error reducer
US6684516B2 (en) * 2001-06-14 2004-02-03 Hunter Engineering Company Method and apparatus for wheel alignment adjustment
EP1399710B1 (en) * 2001-06-15 2006-08-16 Snap-on Incorporated Self-calibrating position determination system
US7062861B2 (en) 2001-06-28 2006-06-20 Snap-On Incorporated Self-calibrating position determination system and user interface
US6661505B2 (en) * 2001-06-28 2003-12-09 Snap-On Technologies, Inc. Method and system for measuring caster trail
DE10206162A1 (en) * 2002-02-14 2003-09-04 Busch Dieter & Co Prueftech Arrangement and method for determining the relative alignment of two bodies
EP1519184A4 (en) * 2002-06-19 2007-06-20 Honda Motor Co Ltd Device and method for measuring position of wheel inclination angle adjustment member, shaft-like work adjuster, and shaft-like work setting method
US6728609B2 (en) 2002-09-16 2004-04-27 Snap-On Technologies, Inc. Diagnostic method and system for a multiple-link steering system
US20040194327A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-07 Bryan Eric F. Sensing steering axis inclination and camber with an accelerometer
DE102005060073B4 (en) * 2005-12-15 2008-02-14 Beissbarth Gmbh Measuring or reference unit and chassis measuring system with it
US7313869B1 (en) 2006-07-18 2008-01-01 Snap-On Incorporated Vehicle wheel alignment system and methodology
US7886377B2 (en) * 2006-10-13 2011-02-15 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Push handle with rotatable user interface
DE102007011459A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-11 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Motor vehicle and method for adjusting the drive train side assemblies thereof
US7865983B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2011-01-11 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Patient care equipment support transfer system
US7640673B2 (en) * 2007-08-01 2010-01-05 Snap-On Incorporated Calibration and operation of wheel alignment systems
CN103453857B (en) * 2007-08-31 2017-12-22 实耐宝公司 Wheel alignment system and method
CN103217129A (en) * 2007-08-31 2013-07-24 实耐宝公司 Wheel alignment system and wheel alignment method
CN103226010B (en) * 2007-08-31 2016-08-10 实耐宝公司 Wheel alignment system and method
US7789187B2 (en) * 2008-01-29 2010-09-07 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Push handle with pivotable handle post
US7953537B2 (en) * 2008-02-29 2011-05-31 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Algorithm for power drive speed control
DE102009028796A1 (en) 2008-09-12 2010-04-15 Robert Bosch Gmbh Chassis measuring device with homing device
US8757308B2 (en) * 2009-09-10 2014-06-24 Hill-Rom Services Inc. Powered transport system and control methods
DE102011102902A1 (en) 2011-05-31 2012-12-06 GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) Method for calibrating an adaptive suspension system
US9707143B2 (en) 2012-08-11 2017-07-18 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Person support apparatus power drive system
CN103411781B (en) * 2013-08-05 2016-11-09 南京吉拓测量仪器有限公司 3D calibrating apparatus for four-wheel positioning instrument and synchronous pulling rack device thereof
US9739589B2 (en) 2015-04-27 2017-08-22 Juan Carlos SANTISTEBAN Vehicle wheel alignment device
US10864127B1 (en) 2017-05-09 2020-12-15 Pride Mobility Products Corporation System and method for correcting steering of a vehicle
CN111413111A (en) * 2019-01-07 2020-07-14 深圳市道通科技股份有限公司 Method for aligning calibration device to vehicle based on wheel aligner
WO2021061848A1 (en) * 2019-09-23 2021-04-01 Gilliand Christopher Dennis Vehicle leveling device and method

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4424700A (en) * 1980-03-10 1984-01-10 Merrill Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Calibration fault detector and automatic calibrator
US4442696A (en) * 1980-03-10 1984-04-17 Erickson Lowell H Calibration fault detector and automatic calibrator

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4154531A (en) * 1978-04-17 1979-05-15 Fmc Corporation Time base swept-beam wheel aligning system
US4204333A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-05-27 Nortron Corporation System and method for calibrating wheel alignment system sensors
FR2469696B1 (en) * 1979-08-24 1986-04-04 Beissbarth Osmond DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE POSITION OF THE WHEELS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
US4336658A (en) * 1980-07-28 1982-06-29 Hunter Engineering Company Method of effecting compensation of cooperatively coupled vehicle wheel aligner instruments
US4761749A (en) * 1984-09-07 1988-08-02 Fmc Corporation Vehicle wheel alignment apparatus and method
US4918821A (en) * 1988-07-15 1990-04-24 Nicator Ab Method of determining wheel alignment
US5056233A (en) * 1990-06-04 1991-10-15 Bear Automotive Service Equipment Company Method and apparatus for measuring cross-toe
US5220399A (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-06-15 Christian Donald J Wide angle wheel alignment system
US5208646A (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-05-04 Fmc Corporation Wheel alignment system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4424700A (en) * 1980-03-10 1984-01-10 Merrill Engineering Laboratories, Inc. Calibration fault detector and automatic calibrator
US4442696A (en) * 1980-03-10 1984-04-17 Erickson Lowell H Calibration fault detector and automatic calibrator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH07103859A (en) 1995-04-21
DE4433126A1 (en) 1995-03-23
CA2129721A1 (en) 1995-03-18
ITMI941886A0 (en) 1994-09-15
US5531030A (en) 1996-07-02
FR2711424A1 (en) 1995-04-28
FR2711424B1 (en) 1997-10-31
KR950008278A (en) 1995-04-17
KR100333421B1 (en) 2002-11-27
AU7288994A (en) 1995-03-30
IT1274774B (en) 1997-07-24
ITMI941886A1 (en) 1996-03-15
JP3138156B2 (en) 2001-02-26
DE4433126B4 (en) 2007-05-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU693102B2 (en) Self-calibrating wheel alignment apparatus and method
CA1088742A (en) Vehicle wheel aligner for measuring front wheel toe with respect to the rear wheel axis of rotation
US4150897A (en) Wheel-mounted vehicle wheel aligner
US5948024A (en) Vehicle alignment condition measurement and display
US4718759A (en) Apparatus for the alignment and balance of the wheels of a motor vehicle
US5760938A (en) Apparatus and method for wheel alignment, suspension diagnosis and chassis measurement of vehicles
US5535522A (en) Method and apparatus for determining the alignment of motor vehicle wheels
US5781286A (en) Method and apparatus for measurement of axle and wheel positions of motor vehicles
CA2043078C (en) Method and apparatus for measuring cross-toe
US4143970A (en) Wheel alignment method and apparatus
US20040244463A1 (en) Calibration certification for wheel alignment equipment
US4523844A (en) Determining toe of rear and front vehicle wheels
US5519488A (en) Eight sensor wheel aligner
US4953296A (en) Method and apparatus for providing runout compensation
US4500201A (en) Individual toe measuring system
EP0611947B1 (en) System for measuring the characteristic attitude angles of the wheels of an automobile frame, and relative measurement means
AU561475B2 (en) Determining toe of rear and front vehicle wheels
EP0065139A2 (en) Individual toe measuring system
KR100328549B1 (en) Alignment method of a car wheel
JP3357935B2 (en) Distance measuring device
JPH01233308A (en) Apparatus for inspecting optical disk